Topic 01: Classifications
So, let’s start with Classifications. I’ve found that this feature is probably the most underutilized feature of ACD-A. And that’s a shame. I also find it to be one of the most powerful data tools available. Hopefully, my documentation of this ROL process will open some eyes up to the potential of Classifications.
Figure 1 - AutoCAD MEP "Space Classifications"
For this exercise, we are going to use Classifications to define all the possible types of Occupancy, as defined in our applicable Building Code. When I started to define this process for myself, back in 2007, I created a new Classification Definition for Occupancy from scratch. We may now not have to do that, as I’ve found that as part of the AutoCAD MEP 2008 installation, an Out-of-the-box (OOTB) Classification exists that is likely applicable to you. (see figure 1) It contains the “IMC 2000″, “ASHRE 62.1-2004″, and “UBC 1997″ standards for occupancy pre-loaded into a single Classification definition named: “Space Occupancy”. But for the sake of simplicity, I’m going to start a new (abbreviated) Classification Definition, just to document the process required. (You may choose to apply these principles to the OOTB Classification).
Figure 2 - Creating a New Classification Definition
Begin by opening the Style Manager, and browse the Object tree to Multi-Purpose Objects>>Classification Definitions. Right-Click on the Classifications Definition’s heading, and choose New. Name the new Classification Definition: “Occupancy“. (see figure 2)
Then select it in the listing and browse to the “Applies to” tab. We’ll use this feature to make our new Classification Definition only work with Space Styles. This is just a safety measure to prevent a User from trying to use our Occupancy Classification with object types that it isn’t intended for, possibly causing errors. So, in the Applies To tab, check the box next to “Space” in the listing of Object types. (see figure 3)
Figure 3 - "Applies To" Space
Next, click on the Classifications tab in the same GUI. Now we’re ready to start adding individual Classifications for Occupancy. For each type of Occupancy you wish to utilize, you will need to create a unique Classification. To create a new Classification: 1.) Click (highlight) the root Classification name in the Classification tree*. 2.) Click on the Add button. (see figure 4) A new Classification (default name: “New Classification”) will be added to the tree. 3.) Click on the newly created Classification and re-name it to match the Occupancy Type that it will represent. To rename it, select it in the tree, and change the values of the Name and Description fields in the GUI at the bottom. Repeat this process for each Occupancy Type you wish to track.
*Note: You may nest Classifications within each other to create a system of Parent and Child Classifications. This is how the AutoCAD MEP “Space Occupancy” Classification Definition, pictured in figure 1 above, is setup. This is nice with respect to organizing your Classifications in outline form, from the general to the specific, perhaps; but be aware that it does create additional complexity that you must allow for in how you utilize the Classifications elsewhere. In an Outline Classification (or multi-dimensional), a user may select any Classification, at any point within the tree. In other words, all the Classifications are “live”, and considered equally by AutoCAD Architecture. If using Classification Properties (like I’ll be demonstrating in the next section) you must “trap” every possible Classification assignment in the tree; or run the risk of errors. I’ve found that for this particular task, a one-dimensional Classification Definition works best, and is less prone to error.
Figure 4 - Adding Classifications
Once you’ve input all your Classifications, you can move on to the next topic of creating your Property Set Definitions. Later in the process, you will have to re-visit your Classifications to populate the values of some Properties that we’ll be adding. So, the next topic will walk-through the creation of 2 separate Property Set Definitions: one for the Classifications, and another for the Spaces.
Next Topic 02: Property Set Definitions